The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has this week confirmed its decision on the car finance reclaim scheme — a move that could see millions of UK drivers receive compensation.
If you’ve ever taken out finance to purchase a car, it’s worth understanding how this could affect you.
What’s happened?
The issue centres around how some car finance agreements were sold in the past. In many cases, brokers and dealerships were allowed to adjust the interest rate offered to customers. The higher the rate, the more commission they earned — and crucially, this wasn’t always clearly disclosed.
These arrangements, known as discretionary commission arrangements, were banned in 2021. However, agreements set up before this date are now under review, which has led to the creation of this compensation scheme.
Who could be eligible?
You may be able to make a claim if you took out car finance — such as a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase agreement — between April 2007 and November 2024.
Eligibility will depend on whether:
A commission was involved in your agreement
You were not made fully aware of how that commission worked
The commission structure may have affected the interest rate you paid
This applies to a wide range of vehicle finance agreements, including cars, vans and motorbikes.
How much could you receive?
While the exact amount will vary depending on your individual agreement, early estimates suggest the average payout could be in the region of £800.
Some customers may receive more, particularly if they had multiple agreements over the years.
How to make a claim
The process is designed to be straightforward. In most cases, you can raise a complaint directly with your lender, who will review your agreement and confirm whether you’re eligible.
TOP TIP: Your credit file includes details of closed credit agreements, so if you can’t remember who provided your finance, checking your credit report can help you identify the relevant lender.
It’s worth noting that claims management companies are not required — you can make a claim yourself at no cost.
When will compensation be paid?
While the FCA has confirmed the framework, the scheme will take time to implement. Compensation payments are expected to begin later in 2026, with the majority of claims likely to be settled into 2027.
Final thoughts
This is set to be one of the largest consumer compensation schemes in recent years. For many people, it could mean a welcome financial boost — particularly at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.
If you’ve had car finance in the past, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your eligibility. Even if you’re unsure, it's definitely worth checking!